US20130065104A1 - Bipolar Battery and Plate - Google Patents
Bipolar Battery and Plate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130065104A1 US20130065104A1 US13/229,331 US201113229331A US2013065104A1 US 20130065104 A1 US20130065104 A1 US 20130065104A1 US 201113229331 A US201113229331 A US 201113229331A US 2013065104 A1 US2013065104 A1 US 2013065104A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bipolar battery
- substrate
- frame
- perforations
- filler
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/64—Carriers or collectors
- H01M4/66—Selection of materials
- H01M4/68—Selection of materials for use in lead-acid accumulators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/04—Construction or manufacture in general
- H01M10/0413—Large-sized flat cells or batteries for motive or stationary systems with plate-like electrodes
- H01M10/0418—Large-sized flat cells or batteries for motive or stationary systems with plate-like electrodes with bipolar electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/06—Lead-acid accumulators
- H01M10/18—Lead-acid accumulators with bipolar electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/14—Electrodes for lead-acid accumulators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M4/00—Electrodes
- H01M4/02—Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
- H01M4/64—Carriers or collectors
- H01M4/70—Carriers or collectors characterised by shape or form
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/04—Construction or manufacture in general
- H01M10/0436—Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment
- H01M10/044—Small-sized flat cells or batteries for portable equipment with bipolar electrodes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/425—Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M6/42—Grouping of primary cells into batteries
- H01M6/46—Grouping of primary cells into batteries of flat cells
- H01M6/48—Grouping of primary cells into batteries of flat cells with bipolar electrodes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the invention relates to a battery and in particular to a bipolar battery having a series of bipolar battery plates.
- a conventional bipolar battery generally includes electrodes having a metallic conductive substrate on which positive active material forms one surface and negative active material forms the opposite surface.
- the active materials are retained by various means on the metal conductive substrate which is nonconductive to electrolyte ions.
- the electrodes are arranged in parallel stacked relation to provide a multi-cell battery with electrolyte and separator plates that provide an interface between adjacent electrodes.
- Conventional mono-polar electrodes, used at the ends of the stack are electrically connected with the output terminals.
- Most bipolar batteries developed to date have used metallic substrates. Specifically, bipolar lead-acid systems have utilized lead and alloys of lead for this purpose. The use of lead alloys, such as antimony, gives strength to the substrate but causes increased corrosion and gassing.
- the positive active material usually in the form of a paste is applied to the metallic conductive substrate on one side while the negative active material is similarly applied to the opposite side.
- the plates may be contained by a frame which seals the electrolyte between plates so that it cannot migrate through the plate.
- a bipolar battery construction 20 having a plurality of conductive biplates 21.
- Each bipolar plate 21 may include a composite, substrate sheet 34 including a continuous phase resin material, which is nonconductive to electrolyte ions.
- the composite substrate sheet 34 also includes uniformly distributed, randomly dispersed conductive fibers 33 embedded in the material.
- the binder resin is a synthetic organic resin and may be thermosetting or thermoplastic.
- the composite substrate sheet 34 has substantially flat opposite side faces 35 which include at their surfaces exposure of portions of the embedded graphite fibers 33.
- the embedded graphite fibers not only provide electrical conductivity through the substrate sheet 34, but also impart to thermoplastic material a high degree of stiffness, rigidity, strength and stability.
- Substrate sheet 34 may be made in any suitable mariner such as by thoroughly intermixing the thermoplastic material in particle form with the graphite fibers. The mixture is heated in a mold and then pressure formed into a substrate sheet of selected size and thickness. After the sheet has been cured, the substantially flat side faces 35 may be readily treated or processed, as for example by buffing, to eliminate pinholes or other irregularities in the side faces.
- lead stripes are bonded to the composite substrate sheet 34 by known plating processes.
- the facial areas between lead stripes 38 are covered by a coating of corrosion resistant resin 36 suitably a fluorocarbon resin such as Teflon (polytetrofluoroethylene) which protects against anodic corrosion of the adjacent graphite fibers and polyethylene of the substrate 34.
- a coating of corrosion resistant resin 36 suitably a fluorocarbon resin such as Teflon (polytetrofluoroethylene) which protects against anodic corrosion of the adjacent graphite fibers and polyethylene of the substrate 34.
- facial areas between lead stripes 37 may be protected by a thin coating of resin impermeable to electrolyte such as a polyethylene coating 36 a .
- a thin Teflon sheet may be bonded to the positive side surface 35.
- window like openings corresponding in length and width to the lead stripes are cut. Plating thereafter will bond the lead in stripes 38 to the exposed conductive graphite surfaces on the substrate side face 35.
- the same fabrication process may be utilized on the negative side face 35 to coat the nonstriped areas with polyethylene or other like material. Plating of the negative stripes may be achieved as with the positive stripes.
- a separator plate 23 serves to support the positive active material 24 and the negative active material 25 and may be made of a suitable synthetic organic resin, preferably a thermoplastic material such as microporous polyethylene.
- Battery construction 20 includes a plurality of conductive bipolar plates 21, peripheral borders or margins thereof being supported and carried in peripheral insulating casing members 22. Interleaved and arranged between bipolar plates 21 are a plurality of separator plates 23 The separator plates carry positive active material 24 on one side thereof and negative active material 25 on the opposite side thereof.
- standard bipolar plates 21 interface with current collecting plates, where 27 is the negative collector plate and 28 is the positive collector plate.
- pressure members 30 interconnected by rods 31 having threaded portions for drawing the pressure members plates together and applying axial compression to the stacked arrangement of bipolar plates and separator plates.
- the bipolar plate 21 is lightweight, rigid, but includes joint lines between the lead stripe edges and protective coatings to resist corrosion and structural deterioration of the substrate. Furthermore, a plating process is required in order to bond the lead stripes 37, 38 to the conductive substrate having graphite fibers. Conductivity is limited by the size and amount type of graphite fibers in the substrate. Additionally, a plurality of bipolar plates 21 and layers are required to sit in separate casing members 22 and an external frame, all of which require further processing steps for more parts.
- the bipolar battery construction 20 is a complicated design having many layers of materials and substrates assembled in multiple chambers 26 and bodies 43 that are secured together by a complex external frame.
- bipolar battery having a simplified bipolar plate design, wherein the active materials are encased within an insulated frame having a substrate with perforations to improve conductivity between the active materials. Furthermore, the bipolar battery is inexpensive to produce and does not require a complex external frame to support the bipolar plates.
- the bipolar battery plate is utilized for production of the bipolar battery.
- the bipolar battery plate includes a frame, a substrate, a conductor, a filler, first and second lead layers, and positive and negative active materials.
- the substrate is positioned within the frame and includes a plurality of perforations that are sealed by a filler, with the conductor positioned in the perforation and held by the filler.
- the conductor connects to the plurality of perforations.
- the first lead layer positioned on one side of the substrate, while the second lead layer positioned on another side of the substrate.
- the first and second lead layers electrically connected to each other through the filler.
- the positive active material (PAM) positioned on a surface of the first lead layer, while the negative active material (NAM) positioned on a surface of the second lead layer.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a bipolar plate according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the bipolar plate taken along the line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bipolar battery according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bipolar battery of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the bipolar battery according to the invention having a casing
- FIG. 6 is a close up view of the bipolar plate according to the invention showing a perforated printed circuit board and filler positioned there through;
- FIG. 7 is another close up view of the bipolar plate according to the invention, showing a nonconductive frame of the bipolar plate.
- FIG. 8 is another close up view of the bipolar plate according to the invention, showing another non-conductive frame of the bipolar plate.
- FIG. 9 is a close up view of another bipolar plate according to the invention, showing a nonconductive frame of the bipolar plate.
- a bipolar battery 100 includes a plurality of bipolar plates 10 , spacers 22 holding an electrolyte 20 , and terminal sections 30 . Each of these components are stacked together to complete a bipolar battery 100 according to the invention, which is an adaptable design with minimal number of parts devoid a complex exterior support structure.
- the bipolar plate 10 includes a frame 11 , a printed circuit board (PCB) 12 , a plurality of perforations 13 along and extending through a front and rear surface of the PCB 12 , lead foils 14 , a first active material 16 , a second active material 18 , and a plurality of conductors 40 positioned into a filler 12 a sealing perforations from one side of the PCB 12 through another side of PCB 12 .
- PCB printed circuit board
- the PCB 12 , lead foils 14 , first active material, 16 and second active material are encased within the frame 11 , which provides support and protection for the bipolar plate 10 .
- the PCB 12 having the plurality of perforations 13 is positioned in a center of the frame 11 , and the lead foils 14 are positioned on both sides of the PCB 12 . If positioning of the lead foils 14 covers the plurality of perforations 13 , then lead foils 14 will be modified such that the plurality of perforations 13 in the PCB 12 are exposed.
- Conductors 40 are held in place by the filler 12 a , which may be conductive or insulative.
- the filler 12 a such as metal alloy (i.e.
- the conductor 40 is positioned in and extending through the plurality of perforations 13 .
- the conductor 40 may also further extend from one surface side of the PCB 12 through the perforations 13 to another side of PCB 12 , or the conductors 40 may be isolated to one side of the PCB 12 .
- the filler 12 a would extend through the perforations 13 and over the outer surfaces of the lead foils.
- the active materials 16 , 18 are then positioned over the lead foils 14 and the filler 12 a , as well as the conductors.
- the frame 11 is non-conductive.
- the frame 11 is a moldable insulative polymer, such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, copolymers, or polymer blends. Because the frame 11 is moldable, the number of shape and size configurations are abundant, which provides a bipolar plate 10 according to the invention that can be tailored to different uses.
- the frame 11 has a generally rectangular shape, which provides support for the PCB 12 when positioned in the frame 11 .
- the frame 11 is a casing for the bipolar plate 10 , as well as the bipolar battery 100 .
- the outer surface of the frame 11 is the outer surface of the bipolar plate 10 and bipolar battery 100 .
- the surface of the frame 11 is generally flat, and in particular, along the exterior surfaces of the frame 11 .
- the frame 11 supports itself, as well as the bipolar plate 10 when assembled with the spacers 22 and terminals sections 30 , especially when the bipolar plate 10 sits upright against a flat opposing surface.
- the frame 11 further includes substrate receiving passageways 11 a and material receiving passageways 11 b , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the substrate receiving passageways 11 a are grooves or channels, while the material receiving passageways 11 b are openings in the frame 11 that receive the lead foils 14 and active materials 16 , 18 on both stackable side of the bipolar plate 10 .
- the substrate receiving passageways 11 a is a groove used to receive and secure the PCB 12 , when the PCB 12 is positioned within the frame 11 .
- Other configurations of substrate receiving passageways 11 a are possible, including notches, indentations, recesses or any securing mechanism that secures the PCB 12 within the frame 11 .
- the PCB 12 could be secured to the frame 11 using a weld or by adhesive, or by a fastener.
- the PCB 12 is secured in the substrate receiving passageways 11 a during manufacturing the bipolar plate 10 .
- Each material receiving passageway 11 b is positioned in a substantial center of the frame 11 split from each other by the PCB 12 , when the PCB 12 is positioned within the substrate receiving passageways 11 a . Furthermore, the lead foils 14 and active materials 16 , 18 are encased within an outer surface plane of the frame 11 . These pair of cavities are dimensioned to securely receive the lead foils 14 and active materials 16 , 18 within the frame 11 .
- the PCB 12 is a separate substrate with respect to the frame 11 , with the PCB 12 being received and secured within the substrate receiving passageways 11 a of the frame 11 .
- the frame 11 and PCB 12 can be formed together, as a monolithic structure, generally from the same material.
- the frame 11 and the PCB 12 are constructed as one piece from the same material. This can be performed through a process such as insert molding, or other known manufacturing methods.
- the PCB 12 in the embodiment shown is a known printed circuit board having at least one conductive layer positioned on top of a middle non-conductive layer. In the embodiment shown, there are two conductive layers secured to a middle non-conductive layer using an adhesive such as epoxy resin.
- the PCB may or may not include existing conductive pathways and/or vias.
- the plurality of perforations 13 may include these vias or supplemental holes manufactured into the PCB 12 .
- the PCB 12 may be prepared with the frame 11 as a one piece construction.
- the PCB 12 is either insert molded into the substrate receiving passageways 11 a , or the frame 11 is over molded over the PCB 12 .
- the frame 11 and the PCB 12 are moldable together, i.e. insert or over molding two pieces together or injection molding one monolithic piece, the manufacturing steps of the bipolar plate 10 can be simplified, with less parts. Furthermore, this process allows the ability to customize the size and shapes of the bipolar plate 10 and bipolar battery 100 according to the invention.
- the PCB 12 shown in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes perforations 13 along the surface of the PCB 12 , and through the body extending through an opposite surface.
- the perforations 13 are circular, but could otherwise be any shape.
- the perforations 13 are positioned in a symmetrical grid pattern in the embodiment shown, but could be asymmetrical or random, especially if the plurality of perforations 13 are compiled from existing vias in the PCB 12 .
- Having a number of perforations 13 positioned in a symmetrical grid arrangement provides even conductions through the PCB 12 when lead foils 14 are positioned on the opposite sides of the PCB 12 , and the metal allow 12 a is positioned in and extending through the plurality of perforations 13 .
- the lead foils 14 will be discussed, which are positioned within the material receiving passageway 11 b , on opposite sides of the PCB 12 .
- the lead foils 14 are conductive and connect with each other through the metal allow 12 a positioned in and through perforations 13 .
- the filler 12 a connects the lead foils 14 with each other in the bipolar plate 10 , notably for a bipolar plate 10 having a PCB 12 insulative substrate.
- the lead foils 14 are either painted or laid over the exterior surfaces of the PCB 12 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the PCB 12 is manufactured with lead conductive layers on the surface, these lead layers being the lead foils 14 of the bipolar battery according to the invention. If the lead foils 14 are not integrally prepared on PCB 12 , then the lead foils 14 may be manufactured with perforations that match the perforations 13 in the PCB 12 . As described above, if the lead foils 14 cover any of the plurality of perforations 13 , then the lead foils 14 may be modified to clear the plurality of perforations 13 , so that the filler 2 a can be received in and through the perforations 13 . In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the lead foils 14 and the PCB 12 are received and secured within the substrate receiving passageways 11 a of the frame 11 .
- the frame 11 , the PCB 12 , and the lead foils 14 are constructed into a one piece structure with the frame 11 securely holding the PCB 12 and lead foils 14 there in. Again, this can be performed through a process such as insert molding, or other known manufacturing methods.
- the perforations 13 can vary in size, shape, or grid pattern, but are large enough that the lead foil 14 can be positioned in and through the perforations 13 and connected to an adjacent lead foil 14 . If the perforations 13 are not from the existing vias in the PCB 12 , the perforations 13 can be molded or milled into the PCB 12 during manufacturing.
- the lead foils 14 are shown, being positioned on the both exposed surfaces of the PCB 12 , and dimensions to fit within the material receiving passageways 11 b of the frame 11 .
- the lead foil 14 is dimensioned to securely fit in the material receiving passageway 11 b , such that the frame 11 encases each lead foil 14 positioned on both sides of the PCB 12 .
- the leads foils 14 are mechanically and electrically connected through the filler 12 a through the perforations 13 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the lead foils 14 may be inserted into the substrate receiving passageways 11 a , along with the PCB 12 during manufacturing and assembly.
- the lead foils 14 may be encased within the frame during insert molding, over molding, or similar manufacturing technique where the lead foils 14 and PCB 12 are manufactured within the substrate receiving passageways 11 a .
- the lead foils 14 are positioned on opposite surfaces of the PCB 12 and then either inserted or manufactured within the frame 11 . It is possible to apply the lead foils 14 by known plating, vapor deposition, or cold flame spray methods.
- the lead foil 14 is a paste having lead, which is positioned along the front and rear surfaces of the PCB 12 .
- the paste is spread across opposite surfaces (i.e. front and rear surfaces) of the PCB 12 .
- the lead foils 14 as paste with the filler 12 a connects both sides of the PCB 12 through the perforations 13 .
- the paste would be thick enough to provide connectivity between the pastes on each side, but should not be thicker than the material receiving passageway 11 b , considering an active material 16 , 18 is also positioned within the material receiving passageway 11 b.
- the conductors 40 have a body 41 and a pair of conductor ends 42 , and in the embodiment shown, the conductors are conductive wires that extend through adjacent perforations 13 . Accordingly, as shown FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pair of conductor ends 42 are positioned through adjacent perforations 13 , while the body 41 extends out of the perforations and over the lead foils 14 . In the embodiment shown, the pair of conductor ends 42 extend orthogonal to the surface of the PCB 12 , while the body extends parallel to the surface of the PCB 12 , resulting in a 90 degree connection between the body 41 and the pair of conductor ends 42 . In other embodiments, the conductor 40 may take various shapes.
- connection of the body 41 and the pair of conductor ends 42 extend out to an outer surface of the first and/or second active materials 16 , 18 , once they are positioned over the lead foils 14 , so that the top surface of the body and an outer surface of the active materials 16 , 18 is flush. Therefore, a distance between the outer surface of the first or second active material 16 , 18 and the outer surface of the lead foil 14 is substantially equal to a distance between the body 41 and the outer surface of the lead foils 14 . In other embodiments, the first and second active materials 16 , 18 position over the body 41 of the conductor 40 .
- the conductors 40 may be arranged in symmetrical patterns. However, the conductors 40 , as shown, could be positioned in an asymmetrical grid pattern and randomly attaching to filler 12 a in non-adjacent perforations 13 . Additionally, in other embodiments, the conductors 40 may attach to non-adjacent perforations 13 . It is possible that longer conductors 40 attach to filler 12 a in perorations 13 all over the PCB 12 . It is also possible that the conductors 40 do not attach to filler 12 a in other perforations 13 . rather one conductor end 42 is free from attaching to a filler 12 a and extends into a first or second active material 16 , 18 .
- the filler 12 a fills the plurality of perforations in the PCB 12 and the lead foils 14 .
- the filler 12 a is a conductive material, such as solder, that flows at a melting temperature and can be applied through the perforations and then overflows each perforation 13 to prepare a conductive head.
- This conductive head has a larger diameter than a diameter of the perforation 13 and sits on an outer surface of the lead foil 14 .
- the filler 12 a has a mushroom shaped conductive head. This provides a larger conductive surface area as does the addition of the conductors 40 .
- the active materials 16 , 18 are shown and positioned on exposed sides of the lead foils 14 , facing away from the PCB 12 .
- the first layer of active material 16 is a positive active material paste (PAM) that is applied over one lead foil 14
- a negative active material (NAM) is applied over the other lead foil 14 , which is the second active material 18 .
- the positive active material paste (PAM) and the negative active material (NAM) are paste of lead or lead oxide mixed with sulfuric acid, water, fiber, and carbon.
- the conductors 40 and filler 12 a provide a large conductive surface area for interaction between the first and second active materials 16 , 18 .
- the thickness of the active materials 16 , 18 should not extend outside the material receiving passageway 11 b of the frame 11 . However, the active materials 16 , 18 should cover the filler 12 a , and more specifically, the conductive head of the filler 12 a .
- the overall thickness T m of the PCB 12 , lead foils 14 , and active materials 16 , 18 is less than the thickness T f of the frame ii.
- the frame 11 encases the PCB 12 , conductors 40 , filler 12 a , lead foils 14 , and active materials 16 , 18 .
- the frame 11 acts as a support and exterior surface for the bipolar battery 100 . The number of assembly steps and parts can be minimized.
- spacers 22 are shown that stack and seal with the bipolar plates 10 according to the invention, and used to hold an electrolyte 20 for the bipolar battery 100 .
- the spacer 22 is shown between stacking adjacent bipolar plates 10 .
- the spacer 22 is essentially a casing having similar dimensions as the frame 11 and includes an electrolyte receiving space 22 a , as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 .
- the electrolyte receiving space 22 a is a hole and is positioned substantially in the center of the spacer 22 and holds electrolyte 20 .
- the spacer 22 prevents the electrolyte 20 from leaking and allows the electrolyte 20 to provide conductivity between the bipolar plates 10 .
- At least one electrolyte receiving channel 22 b is provided and extends through the spacer 22 .
- the at least one electrolyte receiving channel 22 b is positioned on an outer surface of the spacer 22 and directed into the electrolyte receiving space 22 a .
- a user can provide electrolyte 20 through the electrolyte receiving channel 22 b and into the electrolyte receiving space 22 a , after the spacer 22 is assembled and sealed with adjacent bipolar plates 10 .
- the electrolyte receiving channel 22 b is an opening in the spacer 22 that extends through the spacer 22 and into the electrolyte receiving space 22 a .
- the receiving channel 22 b can be plugged or obstructed in some capacity when not utilized, or used to vent gases from the electrolyte receiving space 22 a.
- the electrolyte 20 may be a variety of substances, including acid. However, the substance should be a substance that includes free ions that make the substance electrically conductive.
- the electrolyte 20 may be a solution, a molten material, and/or a solid, which helps create a battery circuit through the electrolyte's ions.
- the active materials 16 , 18 provide a reaction that converts chemical energy to electrical energy, and the electrolyte 20 allows the electrical energy to flow from the bipolar plate 10 to another bipolar plate 10 , as well as to electrodes 36 of the battery 100 .
- the conductors 40 and filler 12 a promote conductivity through the PCB 12 .
- the electrolyte 20 is an acid that is held in an absorbed glass mat (AGM) 21 , as shown in FIGS. 4 , 5 , and 8 .
- the electrolyte 20 is held on the glass mat 21 by way of capillary action
- Very thin glass fibers are woven into the glass mat 21 to increase surface area enough to hold sufficient electrolyte 20 on the cells for their lifetime.
- the fibers that include the fine glass fibers glass mat 21 do not absorb nor are affected by the acidic electrolyte 20 they reside in.
- the dimension of the glass mat can be varied in size. However, in the embodiment shown, the glass mat 21 fits within the electrolyte receiving space 22 a , but has a greater thickness than that the spacer 22 .
- the electrolyte receiving space 22 a includes additionally space for a portion of the electrolyte 20 , and more specifically the glass mat 21 .
- the design of the bipolar battery 100 allows for the spacer 22 holding the glass mat 21 to uniformly stack with adjacent bipolar plates 10 , wherein the active materials 16 , 18 sit on the glass mat 21 containing the electrolyte 20 .
- an electrolyte 20 such as a gel electrolyte, is free to flow between adjacent active materials 16 , 18 between adjacent stacked bipolar plates 10 on either side of the spacer 22 .
- the spacer 22 is an extension of the frame 11 .
- the frame 11 includes a deeper material receiving passageway 11 b in order to encase the lead foils 14 and active materials 16 , 18 , as well as electrolyte 20 .
- the frame 11 may be dimensioned such that the material receiving passageways 11 b of stackable bipolar plates 10 can also hold an fiber glass mat 21 between each other, enclosing and encasing the conductors 40 and filler 12 a positioned through the PCB 12 , the lead foils 14 , first and second active materials 16 , 18 , glass mat 21 , and electrolyte 20 within the stacked and sealed bipolar plates 10 .
- the frame 11 may include the electrolyte receiving channel 22 b that extends through the frame and into the material receiving passageway 11 b .
- the bipolar plates 10 can be stacked onto each other and sealed.
- the terminal sections 30 of the bipolar battery 100 will be discussed, which cap the ends of the bipolar battery 100 .
- the terminal sections 30 stack on opposite sides of stacked bipolar plates 10 , the number of bipolar plates 10 stacked next to each other depends on the electrical potential required of a specific battery design and shape.
- Each terminal section 30 includes a layer of supplemental active material 32 , a terminal plate 34 , an electrode 36 , and an end plate 38 .
- the end plates 38 are positioned on opposite ends of the stacked bipolar plates 10 , with the supplemental active material 32 , the terminal plate 34 and electrode 36 positioned within the end plate 38 .
- the supplemental active material 32 provides increased electrical flow through the bipolar battery 100 , from one terminal section 30 to the other terminal section 30 .
- the supplemental active material 32 is made of material that interacts with an adjacent active material 16 , 18 from an adjacent bipolar plate 10 . Since a spacer 22 and electrolyte 20 , as described above, is positioned on each stackable side of the bipolar plates 10 , a spacer 22 is positioned between the terminal section 30 and an outside bipolar plate 10 . As a result, ions can freely flow through the electrolyte 20 and onto the supplemental active material 32 of the terminal section 30 .
- the terminal plate 34 is provided and encased within the terminal section 30 .
- the terminal plate 34 is conductive and generally a metal.
- the terminal plate 34 attaches to an electrode 36 , which either an anode or a cathode of the bipolar battery 100 .
- the anode is defined as the electrode 36 at which electrons leave the cell and oxidation occurs, and the cathode as the electrode 36 at which electrons enter the cell and reduction occurs.
- Each electrode 36 may become either the anode or the cathode depending on the direction of current through the cell. It is possible that both the terminal plate 34 and the electrode 36 are formed as one piece.
- the end plate 38 is non-conductive and provides structural support to ends of the bipolar battery 100 according to the invention.
- the end plate 38 includes a terminal receiving passageway 38 a , which is a recess in which the terminal plate 34 , electrode 36 , and supplemental active material 32 are positioned. Additionally, like the material receiving passageway 11 b , the terminal receiving passageway 38 a provides enough clearance for an amount of electrolyte 20 to be encased with the terminal section 30 , and specifically within the material receiving passageway 11 b along with the supplemental active material 32 , terminal plate 34 , and electrode 36 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the terminal receiving passageway 38 a provides enough space to receive and enclose a portion of the glass mat 21 , as well.
- the bipolar plate 10 is manufactured and assembled with the PCB 12 secured with the frame 11 .
- the PCB 12 includes perforations 13 , and is generally molded with the frame 11 , either as a single or separate component.
- the lead foils 14 are positioned with the material receiving passageways 11 b of the frame 11 on both exposed surfaces of the PCB 12 .
- the lead foils 14 are electrically connected together through the filler 12 a filling the perforations 13 and the conductors 40 with the filler 12 a spread out over the exterior surface of the lead foil 14 in the embodiment shown, such that a conductive head is formed.
- the conductive head has a larger diameter than the diameter of the perforation 13 through which the filler 12 a is positioned in the embodiment shown. Additionally, the conductors 40 provide further conductivity and conductivity surface area between the lead foils 14 , the filler 12 a , and the conductors 40 for the active materials 16 , 18 that are positioned in the material receiving passageways 11 b on both sides of the PCB 12 .
- the active layer 16 , 18 thickness is larger than a thickness of the conductive head of the filler 12 a positioned on the exterior surface of the lead foil 14 , but is generally equal to the height of the body 41 or the conductor 40 .
- the frame 11 encases the substrate 12 , lead foils 14 , and active materials 16 , 18 within surface boundaries of the bipolar plate 10 .
- the bipolar plates 10 are then stacked next to each other with spacers 22 provided between each stacked bipolar plate.
- electrolyte 20 is provided in the electrolyte receiving space 22 a , which is dimensioned similar to the material receiving passageway 11 b of the frame 11 .
- a fiber glass matt 21 can be provided in the electrolyte receiving space 22 a , as well, and an electrolyte 20 is provided into the fiber glass matt 21 through the electrolyte receiving channel 22 b .
- the spacers 22 and bipolar plates 10 evenly stack one next to the other, and are subsequently sealed.
- the spacers 22 and stacked bipolar plates 10 include non-conductive outer surfaces
- the spacers 22 and frames 11 of the bipolar plates 10 create an outer shell for the bipolar battery 100 .
- the frames 11 of the bipolar plates 10 and spacers 22 can be secured to each other by any method known to the art such that the touching surfaces of the spacers 22 and the frame 11 are secured to each other and sealed. For instance, an adhesive can be used to connect and seal the surfaces together.
- the terminal sections 30 once the terminal sections 30 are assembled, they may be positioned on the stacked bipolar plates 10 and spacers 22 , and then sealed in the same manner.
- end plates 38 , the spacer 22 , and the frame 11 include securing mechanisms (not shown), such as joint technique or fastener, to connect the pieces of the bipolar battery 100 together. Then a sealant may be applied to provide a seal around the bipolar battery 100 , and more specifically, a seal around the connecting end plates 38 , spacers 22 , and frame 11 .
- the bipolar plates 10 are stacked and secured next to each other without a spacer 22 .
- the material receiving passageway 11 b should be large enough to hold and encase the lead foils 14 , active materials 16 , 18 and an electrolyte 20 , including a fiber glass mat 21 , when the stacked bipolar plates 10 are sealed together.
- the frame 11 should include at least one electrolyte receiving channel 22 b positioned in an extension of the frame 11 , so that electrolyte 20 can be provided into the material receiving passageway 11 b of the frame 11 , or allow venting of the electrolyte 20 .
- the number of bipolar plates 10 used in the bipolar battery 100 is a matter of design choice, dependent upon the size of battery 100 and the electrical potential required.
- terminal sections 30 On opposites ends of the stacked bipolar plates 10 and electrolyte 20 are terminal sections 30 , which include a layer of supplemental active material 32 , a terminal plate 34 and electrode 36 , as well as an end plate 38 .
- the outer surfaces of the spacer 22 and the frame 11 are substantially flush with each other when stacked and sealed. This design provides a smooth outer support surface. However, it is possible that irregularities in the surface may exist.
- the spacer 22 may be larger than the frame 11 ; however, the electrolyte receiving space 22 a cannot be larger than the frame 11 . Additionally, the material receiving passageway 11 b cannot be larger than the spacer 22 . In either case, it may be difficult to seal the spacer 22 and bipolar plates 10 , and the electrolyte 20 could leak from the bipolar battery 100 after assembly and the electrolyte 20 is positioned between adjacent bipolar plates 10 .
- the outer surfaces of end plate 38 , the spacer 22 and the frame 11 should be substantially flush.
- irregularities in the surface may exist.
- the end plate 38 may be a bit larger than the spacer 22 , which may be larger than the frame 11 .
- terminal receiving passageway 38 a should not be larger than the receiving channel 22 b or the frame 11 .
- the terminal receiving passageway 38 a should not be larger than the material receiving passageway 11 b or the frame, or the end plate 38 should not be smaller than then the spacer 22 .
- the electrolyte 20 may leak from the bipolar battery 100 after assembly and the electrolyte 20 is provided between stacked bipolar plates 10 .
- the frame 11 supports the bipolar plate 10 , encasing the PCB 12 , lead foils 14 , filler 12 a and active materials 16 , 18 , as well as electrolyte.
- the bipolar plates 10 When stacked, the bipolar plates 10 , with adjacent spacers 22 and stacked terminal sections 30 provide an outer support surface for the bipolar battery 100 .
- This construction provides a bipolar battery 100 having a simplified designed, having fewer manufacturing steps and fewer parts than required in the prior art. Since the frame 10 , spacer 22 , and end plate 38 are insulative plastic and moldable, the bipolar battery 100 can be customized to accommodate shape and size requirements dependent on electrical potential and use.
- a protective casing 200 is further provided, than encloses the bipolar battery 100 according to the invention.
- the casing 200 would include body 202 , a cover 204 , and an electrode receiving space 206 , in order for the electrode 36 to extend out of the casing 200 .
- the casing 200 can be used to house the bipolar battery 100 and provide greater protection.
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a battery and in particular to a bipolar battery having a series of bipolar battery plates.
- A conventional bipolar battery generally includes electrodes having a metallic conductive substrate on which positive active material forms one surface and negative active material forms the opposite surface. The active materials are retained by various means on the metal conductive substrate which is nonconductive to electrolyte ions. The electrodes are arranged in parallel stacked relation to provide a multi-cell battery with electrolyte and separator plates that provide an interface between adjacent electrodes. Conventional mono-polar electrodes, used at the ends of the stack are electrically connected with the output terminals. Most bipolar batteries developed to date have used metallic substrates. Specifically, bipolar lead-acid systems have utilized lead and alloys of lead for this purpose. The use of lead alloys, such as antimony, gives strength to the substrate but causes increased corrosion and gassing.
- In most known plates for bipolar batteries, the positive active material, usually in the form of a paste is applied to the metallic conductive substrate on one side while the negative active material is similarly applied to the opposite side. The plates may be contained by a frame which seals the electrolyte between plates so that it cannot migrate through the plate.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,130, a
bipolar battery construction 20 is disclosed having a plurality ofconductive biplates 21. Eachbipolar plate 21 may include a composite,substrate sheet 34 including a continuous phase resin material, which is nonconductive to electrolyte ions. Thecomposite substrate sheet 34 also includes uniformly distributed, randomly dispersed conductive fibers 33 embedded in the material. The binder resin is a synthetic organic resin and may be thermosetting or thermoplastic. Thecomposite substrate sheet 34 has substantially flat opposite side faces 35 which include at their surfaces exposure of portions of the embedded graphite fibers 33. The embedded graphite fibers not only provide electrical conductivity through thesubstrate sheet 34, but also impart to thermoplastic material a high degree of stiffness, rigidity, strength and stability.Substrate sheet 34 may be made in any suitable mariner such as by thoroughly intermixing the thermoplastic material in particle form with the graphite fibers. The mixture is heated in a mold and then pressure formed into a substrate sheet of selected size and thickness. After the sheet has been cured, the substantially flat side faces 35 may be readily treated or processed, as for example by buffing, to eliminate pinholes or other irregularities in the side faces. - As disclosed, lead stripes are bonded to the
composite substrate sheet 34 by known plating processes. On the positive side face 35, the facial areas betweenlead stripes 38 are covered by a coating of corrosionresistant resin 36 suitably a fluorocarbon resin such as Teflon (polytetrofluoroethylene) which protects against anodic corrosion of the adjacent graphite fibers and polyethylene of thesubstrate 34. On the negative side face 35, facial areas between lead stripes 37 may be protected by a thin coating of resin impermeable to electrolyte such as a polyethylene coating 36a. In fabrication of thebipolar plate 21 and after thecomposite substrate sheet 34 has been formed, a thin Teflon sheet may be bonded to the positive side surface 35. Prior to bonding, window like openings corresponding in length and width to the lead stripes are cut. Plating thereafter will bond the lead instripes 38 to the exposed conductive graphite surfaces on the substrate side face 35. The same fabrication process may be utilized on the negative side face 35 to coat the nonstriped areas with polyethylene or other like material. Plating of the negative stripes may be achieved as with the positive stripes. - A separator plate 23 serves to support the positive active material 24 and the negative active material 25 and may be made of a suitable synthetic organic resin, preferably a thermoplastic material such as microporous polyethylene.
-
Battery construction 20 includes a plurality of conductivebipolar plates 21, peripheral borders or margins thereof being supported and carried in peripheralinsulating casing members 22. Interleaved and arranged betweenbipolar plates 21 are a plurality of separator plates 23 The separator plates carry positive active material 24 on one side thereof and negative active material 25 on the opposite side thereof. Thecasing members 22, together with thebipolar plates 21 and separator plates 23, provide chambers 26 for containing electrolyte liquid. At each end ofbattery construction 20, standardbipolar plates 21 interface with current collecting plates, where 27 is the negative collector plate and 28 is the positive collector plate. Externally of end collectors 27 and 28 are providedpressure members 30 interconnected by rods 31 having threaded portions for drawing the pressure members plates together and applying axial compression to the stacked arrangement of bipolar plates and separator plates. - The
bipolar plate 21 is lightweight, rigid, but includes joint lines between the lead stripe edges and protective coatings to resist corrosion and structural deterioration of the substrate. Furthermore, a plating process is required in order to bond thelead stripes 37, 38 to the conductive substrate having graphite fibers. Conductivity is limited by the size and amount type of graphite fibers in the substrate. Additionally, a plurality ofbipolar plates 21 and layers are required to sit inseparate casing members 22 and an external frame, all of which require further processing steps for more parts. Thebipolar battery construction 20 is a complicated design having many layers of materials and substrates assembled in multiple chambers 26 and bodies 43 that are secured together by a complex external frame. - It is an object of the present invention, among other objects, to provide a bipolar battery having a simplified bipolar plate design, wherein the active materials are encased within an insulated frame having a substrate with perforations to improve conductivity between the active materials. Furthermore, the bipolar battery is inexpensive to produce and does not require a complex external frame to support the bipolar plates.
- The bipolar battery plate is utilized for production of the bipolar battery. The bipolar battery plate includes a frame, a substrate, a conductor, a filler, first and second lead layers, and positive and negative active materials. The substrate is positioned within the frame and includes a plurality of perforations that are sealed by a filler, with the conductor positioned in the perforation and held by the filler. The conductor connects to the plurality of perforations. The first lead layer positioned on one side of the substrate, while the second lead layer positioned on another side of the substrate. The first and second lead layers electrically connected to each other through the filler. The positive active material (PAM) positioned on a surface of the first lead layer, while the negative active material (NAM) positioned on a surface of the second lead layer.
- The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the Figures shown in the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of a bipolar plate according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the bipolar plate taken along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bipolar battery according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bipolar battery ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the bipolar battery according to the invention having a casing; -
FIG. 6 is a close up view of the bipolar plate according to the invention showing a perforated printed circuit board and filler positioned there through; and -
FIG. 7 is another close up view of the bipolar plate according to the invention, showing a nonconductive frame of the bipolar plate; and -
FIG. 8 is another close up view of the bipolar plate according to the invention, showing another non-conductive frame of the bipolar plate; and -
FIG. 9 is a close up view of another bipolar plate according to the invention, showing a nonconductive frame of the bipolar plate. - The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the description will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- With respect to
FIGS. 1-9 , a bipolar battery 100 according to the invention includes a plurality ofbipolar plates 10,spacers 22 holding anelectrolyte 20, andterminal sections 30. Each of these components are stacked together to complete a bipolar battery 100 according to the invention, which is an adaptable design with minimal number of parts devoid a complex exterior support structure. - Now with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , abipolar plate 10 according to the invention is discussed. Thebipolar plate 10 includes aframe 11, a printed circuit board (PCB) 12, a plurality of perforations 13 along and extending through a front and rear surface of thePCB 12, lead foils 14, a firstactive material 16, a secondactive material 18, and a plurality ofconductors 40 positioned into afiller 12 a sealing perforations from one side of thePCB 12 through another side ofPCB 12. - In general, the
PCB 12, lead foils 14, first active material, 16 and second active material are encased within theframe 11, which provides support and protection for thebipolar plate 10. ThePCB 12 having the plurality of perforations 13 is positioned in a center of theframe 11, and the lead foils 14 are positioned on both sides of thePCB 12. If positioning of the lead foils 14 covers the plurality of perforations 13, then lead foils 14 will be modified such that the plurality of perforations 13 in thePCB 12 are exposed.Conductors 40 are held in place by thefiller 12 a, which may be conductive or insulative. Thefiller 12 a, such as metal alloy (i.e. solder), is positioned in and extending through the plurality of perforations 13. Theconductor 40 may also further extend from one surface side of thePCB 12 through the perforations 13 to another side ofPCB 12, or theconductors 40 may be isolated to one side of thePCB 12. In the embodiment shown, thefiller 12 a would extend through the perforations 13 and over the outer surfaces of the lead foils. Theactive materials filler 12 a, as well as the conductors. - The
frame 11 is non-conductive. In the embodiment shown, theframe 11 is a moldable insulative polymer, such as polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, copolymers, or polymer blends. Because theframe 11 is moldable, the number of shape and size configurations are abundant, which provides abipolar plate 10 according to the invention that can be tailored to different uses. - In the embodiment shown, the
frame 11 has a generally rectangular shape, which provides support for thePCB 12 when positioned in theframe 11. Theframe 11 is a casing for thebipolar plate 10, as well as the bipolar battery 100. The outer surface of theframe 11 is the outer surface of thebipolar plate 10 and bipolar battery 100. The surface of theframe 11 is generally flat, and in particular, along the exterior surfaces of theframe 11. Theframe 11 supports itself, as well as thebipolar plate 10 when assembled with thespacers 22 andterminals sections 30, especially when thebipolar plate 10 sits upright against a flat opposing surface. - The
frame 11 further includessubstrate receiving passageways 11 a andmaterial receiving passageways 11 b, as shown inFIG. 2 . Thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a are grooves or channels, while thematerial receiving passageways 11 b are openings in theframe 11 that receive the lead foils 14 andactive materials bipolar plate 10. - The
substrate receiving passageways 11 a is a groove used to receive and secure thePCB 12, when thePCB 12 is positioned within theframe 11. Other configurations ofsubstrate receiving passageways 11 a are possible, including notches, indentations, recesses or any securing mechanism that secures thePCB 12 within theframe 11. For instance, thePCB 12 could be secured to theframe 11 using a weld or by adhesive, or by a fastener. However, in the embodiment shown, thePCB 12 is secured in thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a during manufacturing thebipolar plate 10. - Each
material receiving passageway 11 b is positioned in a substantial center of theframe 11 split from each other by thePCB 12, when thePCB 12 is positioned within thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a. Furthermore, the lead foils 14 andactive materials frame 11. These pair of cavities are dimensioned to securely receive the lead foils 14 andactive materials frame 11. - In the embodiment shown, the
PCB 12 is a separate substrate with respect to theframe 11, with thePCB 12 being received and secured within thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a of theframe 11. However, theframe 11 andPCB 12 can be formed together, as a monolithic structure, generally from the same material. During manufacturing, theframe 11 and thePCB 12 are constructed as one piece from the same material. This can be performed through a process such as insert molding, or other known manufacturing methods. - The
PCB 12 in the embodiment shown is a known printed circuit board having at least one conductive layer positioned on top of a middle non-conductive layer. In the embodiment shown, there are two conductive layers secured to a middle non-conductive layer using an adhesive such as epoxy resin. The PCB may or may not include existing conductive pathways and/or vias. The plurality of perforations 13 may include these vias or supplemental holes manufactured into thePCB 12. As briefly discussed above, thePCB 12 may be prepared with theframe 11 as a one piece construction. - During manufacturing, the
PCB 12 is either insert molded into thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a, or theframe 11 is over molded over thePCB 12. However, if theframe 11 and thePCB 12 are moldable together, i.e. insert or over molding two pieces together or injection molding one monolithic piece, the manufacturing steps of thebipolar plate 10 can be simplified, with less parts. Furthermore, this process allows the ability to customize the size and shapes of thebipolar plate 10 and bipolar battery 100 according to the invention. - Now with reference back to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thePCB 12 shown in detail inFIGS. 6 and 7 includes perforations 13 along the surface of thePCB 12, and through the body extending through an opposite surface. In the embodiment shown, the perforations 13 are circular, but could otherwise be any shape. The perforations 13 are positioned in a symmetrical grid pattern in the embodiment shown, but could be asymmetrical or random, especially if the plurality of perforations 13 are compiled from existing vias in thePCB 12. Having a number of perforations 13 positioned in a symmetrical grid arrangement provides even conductions through thePCB 12 when lead foils 14 are positioned on the opposite sides of thePCB 12, and the metal allow 12 a is positioned in and extending through the plurality of perforations 13. - Now with reference to
FIGS. 1 , 2, 5-8, the lead foils 14 will be discussed, which are positioned within thematerial receiving passageway 11 b, on opposite sides of thePCB 12. The lead foils 14 are conductive and connect with each other through the metal allow 12 a positioned in and through perforations 13. As a result, thefiller 12 a connects the lead foils 14 with each other in thebipolar plate 10, notably for abipolar plate 10 having aPCB 12 insulative substrate. The lead foils 14 are either painted or laid over the exterior surfaces of thePCB 12, as shown inFIG. 2 . However, it is possible that thePCB 12 is manufactured with lead conductive layers on the surface, these lead layers being the lead foils 14 of the bipolar battery according to the invention. If the lead foils 14 are not integrally prepared onPCB 12, then the lead foils 14 may be manufactured with perforations that match the perforations 13 in thePCB 12. As described above, if the lead foils 14 cover any of the plurality of perforations 13, then the lead foils 14 may be modified to clear the plurality of perforations 13, so that the filler 2 a can be received in and through the perforations 13. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9 , the lead foils 14 and thePCB 12 are received and secured within thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a of theframe 11. During manufacturing, theframe 11, thePCB 12, and the lead foils 14 are constructed into a one piece structure with theframe 11 securely holding thePCB 12 and lead foils 14 there in. Again, this can be performed through a process such as insert molding, or other known manufacturing methods. - In either case, the perforations 13 can vary in size, shape, or grid pattern, but are large enough that the
lead foil 14 can be positioned in and through the perforations 13 and connected to anadjacent lead foil 14. If the perforations 13 are not from the existing vias in thePCB 12, the perforations 13 can be molded or milled into thePCB 12 during manufacturing. The lead foils 14 are shown, being positioned on the both exposed surfaces of thePCB 12, and dimensions to fit within thematerial receiving passageways 11 b of theframe 11. Thelead foil 14 is dimensioned to securely fit in thematerial receiving passageway 11 b, such that theframe 11 encases eachlead foil 14 positioned on both sides of thePCB 12. The leads foils 14 are mechanically and electrically connected through thefiller 12 a through the perforations 13, as shown inFIG. 7 . - In another embodiment, the lead foils 14 may be inserted into the
substrate receiving passageways 11 a, along with thePCB 12 during manufacturing and assembly. The lead foils 14 may be encased within the frame during insert molding, over molding, or similar manufacturing technique where the lead foils 14 andPCB 12 are manufactured within thesubstrate receiving passageways 11 a. The lead foils 14 are positioned on opposite surfaces of thePCB 12 and then either inserted or manufactured within theframe 11. It is possible to apply the lead foils 14 by known plating, vapor deposition, or cold flame spray methods. - It is also possible that the
lead foil 14 is a paste having lead, which is positioned along the front and rear surfaces of thePCB 12. The paste is spread across opposite surfaces (i.e. front and rear surfaces) of thePCB 12. The lead foils 14 as paste with thefiller 12 a connects both sides of thePCB 12 through the perforations 13. The paste would be thick enough to provide connectivity between the pastes on each side, but should not be thicker than thematerial receiving passageway 11 b, considering anactive material material receiving passageway 11 b. - The
conductors 40 have abody 41 and a pair of conductor ends 42, and in the embodiment shown, the conductors are conductive wires that extend through adjacent perforations 13. Accordingly, as shownFIGS. 1 and 2 , the pair of conductor ends 42 are positioned through adjacent perforations 13, while thebody 41 extends out of the perforations and over the lead foils 14. In the embodiment shown, the pair of conductor ends 42 extend orthogonal to the surface of thePCB 12, while the body extends parallel to the surface of thePCB 12, resulting in a 90 degree connection between thebody 41 and the pair of conductor ends 42. In other embodiments, theconductor 40 may take various shapes. In the embodiment shown, the connection of thebody 41 and the pair of conductor ends 42 extend out to an outer surface of the first and/or secondactive materials active materials active material lead foil 14 is substantially equal to a distance between thebody 41 and the outer surface of the lead foils 14. In other embodiments, the first and secondactive materials body 41 of theconductor 40. - While the perforations 13, in the embodiment shown, are positioned in a symmetrical grid pattern the
conductors 40 may be arranged in symmetrical patterns. However, theconductors 40, as shown, could be positioned in an asymmetrical grid pattern and randomly attaching tofiller 12 a in non-adjacent perforations 13. Additionally, in other embodiments, theconductors 40 may attach to non-adjacent perforations 13. It is possible thatlonger conductors 40 attach tofiller 12 a in perorations 13 all over thePCB 12. It is also possible that theconductors 40 do not attach tofiller 12 a in other perforations 13. rather oneconductor end 42 is free from attaching to afiller 12 a and extends into a first or secondactive material - The
filler 12 a fills the plurality of perforations in thePCB 12 and the lead foils 14. Thefiller 12 a is a conductive material, such as solder, that flows at a melting temperature and can be applied through the perforations and then overflows each perforation 13 to prepare a conductive head. This conductive head has a larger diameter than a diameter of the perforation 13 and sits on an outer surface of thelead foil 14. In the embodiment shown, thefiller 12 a has a mushroom shaped conductive head. This provides a larger conductive surface area as does the addition of theconductors 40. In other embodiments, it is possible to have theconductors 40 extend into the conductive head of thefiller 12 a, but not through the perforation 13 completely to another side, as long as thefiller 12 a is conductive. - With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5-8, the
active materials PCB 12. The first layer ofactive material 16 is a positive active material paste (PAM) that is applied over onelead foil 14, while a negative active material (NAM) is applied over theother lead foil 14, which is the secondactive material 18. In the embodiment shown, the positive active material paste (PAM) and the negative active material (NAM) are paste of lead or lead oxide mixed with sulfuric acid, water, fiber, and carbon. Theconductors 40 andfiller 12 a provide a large conductive surface area for interaction between the first and secondactive materials - The thickness of the
active materials 16, 18 (i.e. NAM and PAM) should not extend outside thematerial receiving passageway 11 b of theframe 11. However, theactive materials filler 12 a, and more specifically, the conductive head of thefiller 12 a. The overall thickness Tm of thePCB 12, lead foils 14, andactive materials - The
frame 11 encases thePCB 12,conductors 40,filler 12 a, lead foils 14, andactive materials bipolar plates 10, theframe 11 acts as a support and exterior surface for the bipolar battery 100. The number of assembly steps and parts can be minimized. - Now with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,spacers 22 are shown that stack and seal with thebipolar plates 10 according to the invention, and used to hold anelectrolyte 20 for the bipolar battery 100. - The
spacer 22 is shown between stacking adjacentbipolar plates 10. Thespacer 22 is essentially a casing having similar dimensions as theframe 11 and includes anelectrolyte receiving space 22 a, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 8 . Theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a is a hole and is positioned substantially in the center of thespacer 22 and holdselectrolyte 20. When sealed between two adjacentbipolar plates 10, thespacer 22 prevents theelectrolyte 20 from leaking and allows theelectrolyte 20 to provide conductivity between thebipolar plates 10. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , at least oneelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b is provided and extends through thespacer 22. The at least oneelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b is positioned on an outer surface of thespacer 22 and directed into theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a. A user can provideelectrolyte 20 through theelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b and into theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a, after thespacer 22 is assembled and sealed with adjacentbipolar plates 10. In general, theelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b is an opening in thespacer 22 that extends through thespacer 22 and into theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a. However, other mechanisms or structures known to the art could be used to allow ingress ofelectrolyte 20 into theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a. The receivingchannel 22 b can be plugged or obstructed in some capacity when not utilized, or used to vent gases from theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a. - The
electrolyte 20 may be a variety of substances, including acid. However, the substance should be a substance that includes free ions that make the substance electrically conductive. Theelectrolyte 20 may be a solution, a molten material, and/or a solid, which helps create a battery circuit through the electrolyte's ions. In the bipolar battery 100 according to the invention, theactive materials electrolyte 20 allows the electrical energy to flow from thebipolar plate 10 to anotherbipolar plate 10, as well as toelectrodes 36 of the battery 100. Theconductors 40 andfiller 12 a promote conductivity through thePCB 12. - In the embodiment shown, the
electrolyte 20 is an acid that is held in an absorbed glass mat (AGM) 21, as shown inFIGS. 4 , 5, and 8. Theelectrolyte 20 is held on theglass mat 21 by way of capillary action Very thin glass fibers are woven into theglass mat 21 to increase surface area enough to holdsufficient electrolyte 20 on the cells for their lifetime. The fibers that include the fine glassfibers glass mat 21 do not absorb nor are affected by theacidic electrolyte 20 they reside in. The dimension of the glass mat can be varied in size. However, in the embodiment shown, theglass mat 21 fits within theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a, but has a greater thickness than that thespacer 22. Additionally, theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a, in the embodiment shown, includes additionally space for a portion of theelectrolyte 20, and more specifically theglass mat 21. As a result, the design of the bipolar battery 100, according to the invention, allows for thespacer 22 holding theglass mat 21 to uniformly stack with adjacentbipolar plates 10, wherein theactive materials glass mat 21 containing theelectrolyte 20. - It is also possible that the
glass mat 21 is removed, and anelectrolyte 20, such as a gel electrolyte, is free to flow between adjacentactive materials bipolar plates 10 on either side of thespacer 22. - It is also possible, in other embodiments, that the
spacer 22 is an extension of theframe 11. In general, theframe 11 includes a deepermaterial receiving passageway 11 b in order to encase the lead foils 14 andactive materials electrolyte 20. Furthermore, if theframe 11 may be dimensioned such that thematerial receiving passageways 11 b of stackablebipolar plates 10 can also hold anfiber glass mat 21 between each other, enclosing and encasing theconductors 40 andfiller 12 a positioned through thePCB 12, the lead foils 14, first and secondactive materials glass mat 21, andelectrolyte 20 within the stacked and sealedbipolar plates 10. Theframe 11 may include theelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b that extends through the frame and into thematerial receiving passageway 11 b. In this embodiment, thebipolar plates 10 can be stacked onto each other and sealed. - Now with reference to
FIGS. 4-6 , theterminal sections 30 of the bipolar battery 100 will be discussed, which cap the ends of the bipolar battery 100. Theterminal sections 30 stack on opposite sides of stackedbipolar plates 10, the number ofbipolar plates 10 stacked next to each other depends on the electrical potential required of a specific battery design and shape. - Each
terminal section 30 includes a layer of supplementalactive material 32, aterminal plate 34, anelectrode 36, and anend plate 38. Theend plates 38 are positioned on opposite ends of the stackedbipolar plates 10, with the supplementalactive material 32, theterminal plate 34 andelectrode 36 positioned within theend plate 38. - The supplemental
active material 32 provides increased electrical flow through the bipolar battery 100, from oneterminal section 30 to the otherterminal section 30. The supplementalactive material 32 is made of material that interacts with an adjacentactive material bipolar plate 10. Since aspacer 22 andelectrolyte 20, as described above, is positioned on each stackable side of thebipolar plates 10, aspacer 22 is positioned between theterminal section 30 and an outsidebipolar plate 10. As a result, ions can freely flow through theelectrolyte 20 and onto the supplementalactive material 32 of theterminal section 30. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 , 5, and 8, theterminal plate 34 is provided and encased within theterminal section 30. Theterminal plate 34 is conductive and generally a metal. Theterminal plate 34 attaches to anelectrode 36, which either an anode or a cathode of the bipolar battery 100. The anode is defined as theelectrode 36 at which electrons leave the cell and oxidation occurs, and the cathode as theelectrode 36 at which electrons enter the cell and reduction occurs. Eachelectrode 36 may become either the anode or the cathode depending on the direction of current through the cell. It is possible that both theterminal plate 34 and theelectrode 36 are formed as one piece. - In the embodiment shown, the
end plate 38 is non-conductive and provides structural support to ends of the bipolar battery 100 according to the invention. Theend plate 38 includes a terminal receiving passageway 38 a, which is a recess in which theterminal plate 34,electrode 36, and supplementalactive material 32 are positioned. Additionally, like thematerial receiving passageway 11 b, the terminal receiving passageway 38 a provides enough clearance for an amount ofelectrolyte 20 to be encased with theterminal section 30, and specifically within thematerial receiving passageway 11 b along with the supplementalactive material 32,terminal plate 34, andelectrode 36. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , the terminal receiving passageway 38 a provides enough space to receive and enclose a portion of theglass mat 21, as well. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 through 8 , the assembly of the bipolar battery 100 according to the invention will be further discussed. - The
bipolar plate 10 is manufactured and assembled with thePCB 12 secured with theframe 11. ThePCB 12 includes perforations 13, and is generally molded with theframe 11, either as a single or separate component. Once thePCB 12 is positioned within theframe 11, the lead foils 14 are positioned with thematerial receiving passageways 11 b of theframe 11 on both exposed surfaces of thePCB 12. The lead foils 14 are electrically connected together through thefiller 12 a filling the perforations 13 and theconductors 40 with thefiller 12 a spread out over the exterior surface of thelead foil 14 in the embodiment shown, such that a conductive head is formed. The conductive head has a larger diameter than the diameter of the perforation 13 through which thefiller 12 a is positioned in the embodiment shown. Additionally, theconductors 40 provide further conductivity and conductivity surface area between the lead foils 14, thefiller 12 a, and theconductors 40 for theactive materials material receiving passageways 11 b on both sides of thePCB 12. Theactive layer filler 12 a positioned on the exterior surface of thelead foil 14, but is generally equal to the height of thebody 41 or theconductor 40. As a result, theframe 11 encases thesubstrate 12, lead foils 14, andactive materials bipolar plate 10. - The
bipolar plates 10 are then stacked next to each other withspacers 22 provided between each stacked bipolar plate. Next,electrolyte 20 is provided in theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a, which is dimensioned similar to thematerial receiving passageway 11 b of theframe 11. Afiber glass matt 21 can be provided in theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a, as well, and anelectrolyte 20 is provided into thefiber glass matt 21 through theelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b. Thespacers 22 andbipolar plates 10 evenly stack one next to the other, and are subsequently sealed. Since thespacers 22 and stackedbipolar plates 10 include non-conductive outer surfaces, thespacers 22 and frames 11 of thebipolar plates 10 create an outer shell for the bipolar battery 100. Theframes 11 of thebipolar plates 10 andspacers 22 can be secured to each other by any method known to the art such that the touching surfaces of thespacers 22 and theframe 11 are secured to each other and sealed. For instance, an adhesive can be used to connect and seal the surfaces together. Additionally, once theterminal sections 30 are assembled, they may be positioned on the stackedbipolar plates 10 andspacers 22, and then sealed in the same manner. - It is also possible, that the
end plates 38, thespacer 22, and theframe 11 include securing mechanisms (not shown), such as joint technique or fastener, to connect the pieces of the bipolar battery 100 together. Then a sealant may be applied to provide a seal around the bipolar battery 100, and more specifically, a seal around the connectingend plates 38,spacers 22, andframe 11. - It is also possible, that the
bipolar plates 10 are stacked and secured next to each other without aspacer 22. However, thematerial receiving passageway 11 b should be large enough to hold and encase the lead foils 14,active materials electrolyte 20, including afiber glass mat 21, when the stackedbipolar plates 10 are sealed together. Furthermore, theframe 11 should include at least oneelectrolyte receiving channel 22 b positioned in an extension of theframe 11, so thatelectrolyte 20 can be provided into thematerial receiving passageway 11 b of theframe 11, or allow venting of theelectrolyte 20. - The number of
bipolar plates 10 used in the bipolar battery 100 is a matter of design choice, dependent upon the size of battery 100 and the electrical potential required. In the embodiment shown, there are at least threebipolar plates 10 stacked next to each other. On opposites ends of the stackedbipolar plates 10 andelectrolyte 20 areterminal sections 30, which include a layer of supplementalactive material 32, aterminal plate 34 andelectrode 36, as well as anend plate 38. In the embodiment shown, the outer surfaces of thespacer 22 and theframe 11 are substantially flush with each other when stacked and sealed. This design provides a smooth outer support surface. However, it is possible that irregularities in the surface may exist. For instance, thespacer 22 may be larger than theframe 11; however, theelectrolyte receiving space 22 a cannot be larger than theframe 11. Additionally, thematerial receiving passageway 11 b cannot be larger than thespacer 22. In either case, it may be difficult to seal thespacer 22 andbipolar plates 10, and theelectrolyte 20 could leak from the bipolar battery 100 after assembly and theelectrolyte 20 is positioned between adjacentbipolar plates 10. - Furthermore, when the
end plate 38 is stacked next to anadjacent spacer 22 and/orframe 11 of an adjacentbipolar plate 10, the outer surfaces ofend plate 38, thespacer 22 and theframe 11 should be substantially flush. However, it is possible that irregularities in the surface may exist. For instance, theend plate 38 may be a bit larger than thespacer 22, which may be larger than theframe 11. Nonetheless, terminal receiving passageway 38 a should not be larger than the receivingchannel 22 b or theframe 11. Additionally, the terminal receiving passageway 38 a should not be larger than thematerial receiving passageway 11 b or the frame, or theend plate 38 should not be smaller than then thespacer 22. In either case, theelectrolyte 20 may leak from the bipolar battery 100 after assembly and theelectrolyte 20 is provided between stackedbipolar plates 10. In general, theframe 11 supports thebipolar plate 10, encasing thePCB 12, lead foils 14,filler 12 a andactive materials bipolar plates 10, withadjacent spacers 22 and stackedterminal sections 30 provide an outer support surface for the bipolar battery 100. This construction provides a bipolar battery 100 having a simplified designed, having fewer manufacturing steps and fewer parts than required in the prior art. Since theframe 10,spacer 22, andend plate 38 are insulative plastic and moldable, the bipolar battery 100 can be customized to accommodate shape and size requirements dependent on electrical potential and use. - In another embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 5 , aprotective casing 200 is further provided, than encloses the bipolar battery 100 according to the invention. Thecasing 200 would includebody 202, acover 204, and an electrode receiving space 206, in order for theelectrode 36 to extend out of thecasing 200. Unlike an external structure of the bipolar battery 100, thecasing 200 can be used to house the bipolar battery 100 and provide greater protection. - The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together with their full range of equivalents.
Claims (40)
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US13/229,331 US8597817B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2011-09-09 | Bipolar battery and plate |
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US13/229,331 US8597817B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2011-09-09 | Bipolar battery and plate |
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